Motorists Stage Peaceful Protests Over The Deplorable Condition Of Epe/Ibeju Lekki Expressway

Vehicular movement has been suspended since the early hours of today on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, due to the deplorable condition of the highway.

The shutdown has created an unprecedented traffic gridlock on the usually busy highway.

The terrible condition of the road led to a spontaneous protest by motorists, commuters, residents and youths from the Division.

The protesters blocked the entire expressway, making passage in both directions, impossible.

A traffic gridlock stretching over 10 kilometres built upon the road, on the way to Epe, trapping thousands of motorists going to work, thereby, disrupting commercial activities on the highway.

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A similar gridlock also built on the other side, affecting motorists coming from Ibeju Lekki to Epe.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the traffic lockdown which began at about 6 a.m this morning was still on at 11:10 am, at the time of this report.

Similarly, Mr Tunde Jinodu, a commercial driver, beamon the expenses incurred daily by both commuters and motorists plying the route.

He lamented that the failed section of the expressway has cost us heavy maintenance of our vehicles.

“The bad road is making us spend more on maintenance. This action is carried out to signal the government on fixing the road as soon as possible.

“This, It is a joint action of all motorists plying the Lekki-Epe Expressway”

“We were happy when Hi-Tech construction company workers were sighted on the expressway, thinking work will begin in the shortest time, but they are not doing road repair or construction, “he said.

According to the commercial driver, Dangote trucks are responsible for the deplorable condition of this road.

“We drivers that stage the protest are not in Epe alone, our members are also at Ibeju, they have also blocked the road there also.

“We are fed up of the neglect of this road by Lagos state government, ” he said.

Another Driver, Alhaji Sulaiman Lamidi, who was drenched by the heavy rain pour this morning, expressed his dissatisfaction with the government, neglecting the road for so long.

“I am a private transporter and I ply this road every day. I take passengers from Lagos to Port Harcourt and I am happy this is happening.

“If it will take us to also block Epe-Ijebu Ode expressway boundary, I am totally in support.

“The government should wake up and come to the people’s rescue, “he said.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the heavy downpour could not deter the motorists from shifting grounds as the Epe-Ikorodu highway was also blocked.

All manner of commuters including security officials were trapped in the gridlock.

The drivers used their cars to block the road leaving road users stranded.

Many commuters, women, in particular, were seen trekking with goods on their head. Even pregnant and nursing mothers, police officers and haulage workers weren’t spared.

Some vehicles have been trapped in the gridlock as early as 6 am in the morning.

Some drivers could be seen carrying their spoilt bumpers on the vehicle. The motorists were also seen driving away popular “okada riders” from the scene of the protest for reasons best known to them.

This action is a pointer that motorists also share in the general belief that Epe has been cut from the rest of the world with the poor condition of road networks leading to the town.

Time will tell if the step taken by motorists would yield the expected result by political leaders, youths and other stakeholders in the transport sector.

Earlier, the Division Police Officer (DPO), Epe Division, CSP Ademola ogunyamoju, said that efforts are in place to control and calm the situation.

“As you can see, My boys are at the scene of the protest to control and manage the situation,” he said.

Idris Tele-Olukoya and Kaka Babatunde